interview with addictions facility CEO

[K.Jamison, RN]

I had an interview yesterday with our local addictions facility CEO and charge nurse. This is an inpatient facility, but also treats clients on an outpatient basis too. My interview was a nightmare.

First off, I had to take a 2 page test concerning addictions,which wasn't too bad. I also had to take a personality test too. Then on to the interview:

I was told by the CEO that "I am too nice" and would be the kind of nurse who would break down to the manipulative behavior of the residents and buy them cigarettes and take them home with me!??? I was insulted. I am still insulted. Not only am I very upset about this interview and being "labeled" as someone who would break the rules, but insulted that they would say something like this about a professional. I am not a rule breaker, never have been and am insulted the CEO herself would judge me in that manner. Perhaps they have had nurses in the past do those types of things, but I have worked in a supermax prison and I know first hand about manipulation. There is no tolerance for it and I know how to handle myself. I have been a RN for 13 years. I am not fresh out of school with no knowledge of the behaviors that can occur in addictions and many other jobs for that matter.

Would any of you have been insulted by this? Maybe I am taking this all too hard, but I am a professional and I know how to conduct myself as a professional.

Any thoughts? Thanks.

[Tina, RN]

Whoa. I have absolutely no experience working in addictions. But, that seems very harsh, for the CEO to say that to you?? I mean, if they felt that your personality wasn't a good fit, there are nicer ways of saying so, IMO... Hopefully some nurses with addiction experience will have better feedback for you.

Best wishes!

[RNasIam]

This is the kind of outrageous behavior that prevents a lot of people from going to treatment...and then going back when they need a tune-up. I have been through 2 treatments...because of a relapse. One place was like the one you describe. The other was wonderful and empowering...even though no one offered to take me home with them or gave me cigarettes (which is good because I do not smoke) they were able to empathize and empower me to make the necessary changes.:redbeathe

The woman you describe is basing her treatment program on outdated "confrontational" modalities. There is a newer kinder way of doing things. You are not flawed...she is.

[K.Jamison, RN]

This is the kind of outrageous behavior that prevents a lot of people from going to treatment...and then going back when they need a tune-up. I have been through 2 treatments...because of a relapse. One place was like the one you describe. The other was wonderful and empowering...even though no one offered to take me home with them or gave me cigarettes (which is good because I do not smoke) they were able to empathize and empower me to make the necessary changes.:redbeathe

The woman you describe is basing her treatment program on outdated "confrontational" modalities. There is a newer kinder way of doing things. You are not flawed...she is.

you are exactly right. The CEO has been there way too long and her ideas are outdated. She has a Masters in Social Work, not nursing and she judged me on the idea that I am nice? What does she want working there? People who are bullies and don't care about the well being of the people who are seeking treatment?

I am sorry that you had to endure a place like the one I described with people who don't care. I am glad that you did find a place that helped you. No wonder this place has such a high turnover rate. With the attitude the CEO has, it's a wonder the place doesn't fall apart. They are constantly advertising for nurses and techs. Must be h3ll to work at that place

Thanks for the reply :)

[mackjazz, BSN, RN]

I agree with you. Regardless of status, (like a CEO), we are all professionals and should be respected not only as professionals, but also as humans. If I were you, I would either schedule a meeting or write an email that expresses your thoughts in a constructive way. Don't let this get you down, just move forward and hopefully you can learn something from this!

[K.Jamison, RN]

I agree with you. Regardless of status, (like a CEO), we are all professionals and should be respected not only as professionals, but also as humans. If I were you, I would either schedule a meeting or write an email that expresses your thoughts in a constructive way. Don't let this get you down, just move forward and hopefully you can learn something from this!

I think your idea is good. I have been so upset since this interview. I don't understand what kind of person they want working for them, but I am a nurse and I do think all people deserve compassion especially those going through a very rough time. I know the CEO went through a hard time because her husband was an alcoholic and he was a well known figure in our town because of his high profile job, but that doesn't give her a right to judge me.

I will get over this sooner or later. I won't be applying there ever again. They have an ad for nurses, techs and EMT's in the paper at least once a month. Must be a terrible turnover rate and a place no one wants to work.

Thanks again :)

[mentalhealthRN]

I worked in an inpatient facility and well news flash to the a** who interviewed you. I was very nice and respectful to the clients. Yeah if they decided to test me and it was necessary I could be "not so nice". However most of the time the clients would specifically tell me how much they appreciated that I was kind and respectful to them. That I didn't treat them like "garbage". Generally most clients responded well to this. There is a skill to being firm and assertive with this population while continuing to show them the respect and kindness--and giving the non-judgemental care they need. They usually acted up and we had problems when some of the staff were too harsh with them and they would rebel by breaking the rules. Don't get me wrong I had to turn off the charm and wasn't so nice a few times when it was necessary......however after the fact the rest of the clients would usually come to me and tell me what a jerk that client was to all of them and to me and that I was not wrong and dealt with it as was needed. The fact that you did work in corrections --maximum security should have been enough. Um hello. If you can handle that you can handle CD.

When I have interviewed for jobs in psych,CD and in corrections as well I have been asked questions that like you through me. Like being an attractive female how do I handle inaapropriate behaviors? Ummmm stupid question. Its called behaving professionally and helping them and learn the proper way to act and treat women. So I understand. I would contact them again and let them know how you are feeling and let them know that you feel an unfair judgement was made about your character that your past experiences can back. Maybe talk to the person you worked for in corrections and see about getting a letter of reccommendation

Well good luck to you. And if things don't work out for you with this place maybe it is a sign. You don't want to work for a place who doesn't provide care in a way you feel comfortable with.

[Mental Health RN]

Oh my...so sorry you experienced such a thing...I work in addictions and psych...too many workers in the field that DON'T belong there...you would do quite well with all your prison experience...I couldn't see you being manipulated at all.

[llltapp]

Don't let this CEO make you crazy. She's a putz. Don't give her the power to rent space in your head :)

[morte, LPN, LVN]

was she, perhaps, looking for your response to her assertion?

[spongebob6286, BSN, RN]

did she gave you some scenarios and what could be your responses to it? probably she based that comment from your answers.

[dekagirlsRN]

What was your response to her??